I’ve been going on cruises for over 10 years, so I have some tips for first-time cruisers . Book directly through a cruise line and reconsider drink packages to save money. I’ve been on dozens of cruises in the past 10 years, and I’ve learned a lot about the best ways to sail .
Here are my best tips for someone booking their first cruise .
Take the time to choose the right cruise line and ship for you Not all cruise lines are the same. Some, like Disney Cruise Line , showcase beloved characters and have mostly family-friendly activities.
Others, like Norwegian Cruise Line , target cruisers looking for a more upscale and modern cruise ship with plenty to do for adults and older teens.
To find the right cruise line, consider what you want to do on the ship and the types of travelers you want to sail with.
Then, narrow down to the right ship by looking at what each offers. Also, consider your budget and what type of stateroom you’ll want to book .
Book your cruise by calling the cruise line directly to get the best deal In my experience, the best way to get deals is to call the cruise line directly to book your sailing.
Although you may have seen some deals on the cruise line’s website, people working in the booking center can see every deal you’re eligible for at once.
Because of that, they can see which offer will save you the most money.
For example, on a recent sailing with Carnival, I saw discounts on standard balcony rooms online. When I called, an employee told me I was also eligible for a discount through the casino because of my spending on a previous sailing.
I’d had no idea, and the latter was the better deal for me and my family.
Join a Facebook group for your cruise After you book your cruise, try to find the appropriate Facebook group for your sailing.
You can do that by using the search bar and typing in the ship’s name and the dates of your sailing, like “Norwegian Prima
